Richard Lee Bloodgood

Obituary

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Richard Lee Bloodgood, 64, of St. Francis, MN, an avid music lover and beloved member of his community. The Lord called him home after a battle with cancer on Sunday, November 14th 2021 while in his home with family by his side.

Rich has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be greatly missed by his children, Rage, Joshuah (Annah), Jacob (Crystal), Ryan (Rain), and Haley. He was a proud grandfather to Evan, Jayden, Ethan, Ryland, and Zeppelin. He loved being “Papa Rich” more than anything.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Vivian (née Haskins) and Robert Bloodgood Sr., older brother Edward, grandchildren, and cherished family dog, Starr.

He will also be sadly missed by his many siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rich was born January 22nd 1957 in Torrance, CA and raised in Portland, OR. When he was of age, Rich joined the Army and then ultimately chose to settle in Coon Rapids, MN where he raised his family.

When not hard at work at Andover Elementary School, he enjoyed volunteering in his grandsons’ classrooms. “Mr. Rich” was well loved by the students and he loved them right back. He also had many lasting friendships with multiple staff members across the Anoka-Hennepin School District, in which he devoted 20 years of hard work. He was also very proud of his service in the SEIU Local 284, where he graciously spent 5 years as a Steward.

Rich enjoyed playing his classic rock music (“blasting my tunes!”) while playing air guitar on the deck and grilling on beautiful summer afternoons. As it got dark outside, he could often be found sitting around a fire and heading in early to catch ‘Saturday Night Live’, even during rerun season.

Rich loved to fish, build forts while making snacks with his kids (especially stovetop popcorn and “dad’s nachos”), beat everyone at cribbage, start sentences with “Now listen here, son…”, trash talk during football season, sing the wrong lyrics to his favorite Beatles songs, and live freely. He really knew how to enjoy life to the fullest.

He will forever be remembered for his glowing smile, gentle eyes, and free spirit. This man had a long-standing relationship with God and felt very blessed with his faith. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort in knowing he is in Heaven watching over us.

In honor of Rich, a “wild and crazy guy”, who held firm in his traditions, we kindly ask that you please give him your biggest “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”

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In lieu of flowers, donations to contribute to the future memorial service are appreciated. The official Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place on his next birthday, Saturday January 22nd 2022, with further details to follow.

memorial service

Celebration of Life Memorial Service

January 22, 2022

Further details to follow.